Valletta FC has expressed strong disappointment at the Malta Football Association’s decision to proceed with its FA Trophy semi-final as scheduled, despite what the club described as “clearly exceptional circumstances”.In a statement, Valletta revealed that five of its players have been called up to represent their respective national teams, a milestone the club said it is proud of, both for the players and Maltese football as a whole.However, the club raised concerns that the players are set to return just two days before the semi-final, leaving little time for proper preparation and raising questions around player welfare.Valletta FC said it had proposed a minimal change to the fixture, pushing it by two days to Monday 6th April, in a bid to preserve what it described as “sporting integrity” while ensuring fair conditions for both sides.“This is not merely a scheduling issue, but one of sporting integrity and competitive fairness,” the club said, arguing that a semi-final should be played with both teams having equal preparation and full squad availability.The proposal was ultimately rejected by both the MFA and their opponents, Birkirkara FC.While acknowledging the MFA’s authority in such decisions, Valletta insisted the outcome places the club at a “clear competitive disadvantage”, effectively penalising it for contributing players to national team duties.The club reiterated its support for the national team, but stressed that such commitment should not come at the expense of fairness at club level.Valletta FC also called on Birkirkara FC to reconsider its stance and urged the MFA to “act responsibly” to ensure clubs heavily contributing to national representation are not disadvantaged.The statement concluded with a firm warning, with Valletta insisting it will not remain silent when principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for the game are compromised.What do you make of this?•